This past weekend I called up my cable internet provider and received a discount of $15 off my monthly bill. On top of that, they nearly doubled the speed of my connection. I received this discount and upgrade by simple asking for it, just like I have about every six months. All it takes is a regularly scheduled phone call and a little research to get better deals on cable, your phone bill, and more.

Sometimes the simplest method of saving money is the most overlooked. Negotiating with companies…
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Put a reminder on your calendar for every six months and make your calls on those dates. I almost always make my first call in mid-January because that's when some of the best promotions tend to surface (in my experience).

Keep an eye on promotions that come to you in the mail. While you are (generally) not eligible for new customer promotions, you can call up a service provider and say this: "I saw you're offering this price. I assume this is a new customer promotion and I'm not eligible, but I've been a loyal customer for ___ years and was wondering if there's a similar deal that's available for me." This has rarely failed me. When it does, I call back a month later and try again.

It's very helpful to be aware of existing prices and promotions. This lets the sales agent know you are are informed when you make your call. If you can't find information about pricing and promotions online, you can always call up the service provider and pretend to want new services. Don't commit to anything and just say you're researching current pricing. Then, call back later as the existing customer that you are and you'll be better-informed.

Ask for help. If you can't get a discount by asking for one, instead ask for help in reducing your monthly bill. Let the sales agent know that you do not fully utilize your services and you don't want to pay for something you don't need. Ask them to help you find a way to get the best package for you. This may mean getting a new bundle of services with your cable company or readjusting the features on your cellphone bill so they'll suit your needs better and save you money. Asking for help can be a powerful motivator, so it's a good option when a discount isn't possible.

That's all there is to it. While this strategy isn't going to get you a discount on your gas or water bills (most likely), it's a good way to knock down the cost of your internet, TV, phone, cellular, and several other services. Give it a try and see where it takes you. You won't be 100% successful, but I've found it's worth the few minutes each call takes more often than not.